BRITNEY SPEARS CLOSE TO SIGNING $15-MILLION "THE X FACTOR" DEAL

Britney Spears & Nicole Scherzinger in Toronto - March 2009

Although we're still waiting on confirmation, Britney Spears is reportedly close to signing a $15 million deal to judge on the second season of FOX's The X Factor according to multiple sources, including Deadline. Having been in major talks to appear on the show since February, it is said that Spears originally was expecting $20 million for the Deal. 

To place this into context, Jennifer Lopez currently is receiving $12 million to judge on American Idol, while Christina Aguilera - whom Spears has been pitted against since the early days of her career - is earning $10 million for her work as Mentor on NBC's The Voice.

With the recent exits of Judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger from The X Factor leaving room for new faces, this actually marks the second time that the latter has "opened" for Spears.  Former Pussycat Doll Scherzinger back in 2009 had opened for Spears on her Circus Tour.  Some Girls have all the luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"THE VOICE" SEES 120% INCREASE OVER PREVIOUS BEST IN SEASON TWO PREMIERE

Official Poster for The Voice

The numbers are in and if you thought NBC's The Voice was a smash the first season, its season Premiere on Super Bowl Sunday saw a 120% increase from its previous biggest measured ratings night, May 31, 2011.  Viewers who tuned-in saw even more of that noted tension between Mentors, Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine with the Diva repeatedly talking over Levine and at one point calling him a "Justin Timberlake Wannabe", which required an apology on her part shortly after.

There were a couple interesting stories during the Blind Auditions, which saw the Mentors listening to Contestants once again with their backs turned including one Contestant, a former Disney Mouseketeer who sang alongside Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears and Aguilera herself, named Tony Lucca.  At first failing to recognize the Singer-Songwriter, Aguilera bolted backstage after cluing-in to his identity, finally running to give him a hug.  "Britney used to have such a crush on you!", she revealed on National Television.

Another Contestant who stood-out is the handsome Chris Mann, who previously has appeared on Glee as a Dalton Academy Warbler.  The Singer, who specializes in Opera, has had various false starts also and his Muse is his Mother, who currently is battling Pancreatic Cancer.

The Voice airs on NBC Monday nights at 8:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: NBC)

VIDEO PREMIERE: MAROON 5 FT. CHRISTINA AGUILERA - MOVES LIKE JAGGER

Still from Moves Like Jagger Video

Finally the Music Video for Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera’s Moves like Jagger has been unveiled after the Track first surfaced in early June. Having peaked already at number right on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number nine on the Canadian Hot 100, hopefully a shirtless Adam Levine is the secret weapon to propel its way up the charts further.

Directed by Jonas Åkerlund the Video combines old footage of Mick Jagger together with that of Aguilera and Maroon 5 in a fitting tribute the Rock Legend deserves from these two former Grammy-winning Best New Artists and judges of NBC's runaway hit The Voice.

See the Video in full below:

NBC'S "THE VOICE" CLOBBERS "GLEE" IN RATINGS DEBUT

The Judges of NBC's The Voice

In a bit of a Ratings shocker, NBC's singing Reality TV Competition The Voice outperformed FOX's Glee in a special 90-minute episode of the latter last night. The evening marked The Voice's big debut which based on its Star Power with Celebrity Judges Cee Lo, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, drew a huge crowd with 11.4 million Viewers at 9 PM, and 12.2 million at 10 PM. ABC's Dancing with the Stars was a clear Winner with 12.8 million Viewers at 8 PM and 18 million at 9 PM.

The Voice is unique from FOX's American Idol in that it has its Judges picking talent over looks with the Contestants dueling with each other for a Recording Contract.  On another level, each of the four Judges are also competing against one another also in that they must convince Contestants to work under their wings, with the Judge yielding the best results being victorious.

Glee paid tribute to Lady Gaga last night with its Born this Way-themed episode celebrating its characters hidden imperfections. The Gaga tie-in however wasn't enough to save it as it pulled in 8.4 million Viewers in the 9 PM slot and 8.6 million in the 10 PM slot.

Is Glee Mania starting to wane?  Are the Story Lines running thin? Uh-oh.

(Photo credit: NBC)

MUCHMUSIC TO AIR "THE VOICE" IN CANADA

The Judges of NBC's The Voice (L to R): Cee Lo, Christina Aguilera
Adam Levine, Blake Shelton

Love is blind. Or at least the people behind NBC's The Voice would like us to think that. It was just announced that MuchMusic will be airing the Reality TV Series/Competition when it premieres on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 7:00 PM EST.

The Voice will have Singers competing against one another for a grand prize of a $100k Record Contract under Universal Republic, home of Amy Winehouse, Colbie Caillat and Jessie J. Judges come from a wide-spectrum of genres including Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Cee Lo.  The Show claims not to be judging its Singers on their looks. 

V. progressive ain't it?  Whomever wins this thing has the Susan Boyles and Paul Potts of the world to thank, them having proven that singing talent with a bit of the X-Factor can sell records.  Count me officially among those excited.

(Photo credit: NBC)

BURLESQUE MOVIE REVIEW

Still from  Burlesque

It certainly had the recipe for greatness, but these Cookies were packaged half-baked. How is it possible to put together a Cast with so much presence as the likes of Cher, Eric Dane, Alan Cumming, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell and megastar Christina Aguilera, yet still come up with a final product as unremarkable and forgettable as Burlesque? First-time Director/Screenwriter Steve Antin appears to have to pulled off the unfathomable.

Ali (Aguilera) is a Waitress, fed-up with her dead-end Waitressing job at a Diner where her Boss is behind in payments to her. She quits, leaves town (and that Iowa accent!) and finds herself on the Sunset Strip, wandering into a Burlesque Club, where she is seduced by the glamour of the Girls on stage. So enamoured, she finds herself pleading to Club Owner Tess (Cher) for a job, settling even as a Waitress. Before we know it, magically she knows the Choreography for all the numbers in the Girls' repertoire, forcing her way into an Audition and wowing both a skeptical Tess and Gay confidante/Costume Maker Sean (Tucci) who "couldn't keep his eyes off her."

All is not well in the world of Showgirls Burlesque, as jealous rival Nikki (Bell) doesn't take kindly to the Troupe's newest member with all the attention she receives. Wealthy Businessman Marcus (Dane) is taken aback by Ali's talent and beauty, while at the same time wanting to buy out Tess' Club, using the land for Condominiums as he is fully aware that her Club has seen more successful days, nearing Foreclosure. Ali finds herself caught also in a bit of a love triangle between herself, wealthy suitor Marcus and also temporary roommate Jack (Cam Gigandet) who also happens to be an aspiring Songwriter and a Bartender at the Club. Although Ali brings the Club some much needed success through Song and Dance, is this turn of fortune coming too late? And who will Ali choose as her Lover: Marcus with his suspicious motives or Jack, who can't seem to decide what he wants in life?

Let's be honest about it - Burlesque really upset me. Although many will be quick to point the finger at her, the Film's shortcomings aren't entirely the fault of first-time Actress Aguilera; in fact, she does a v. credible job here actually.  Her weakness only shows in quieter moments, struggling to evoke pain and disappointment.  But even her most committed performance isn't enough when the material she is working with isn't fully fleshed-out. It is particularly baffling that even by the end of the Musical, we don't find that we know anything about Ali other than that out of nowhere, she possesses remarkably refined talents. She becomes the Star of the Club, but then what? We witness no challenge or vulnerability in her rise to success other than a couple cruel jabs from Nikki, who conveniently keeps popping-up despite being told she is no longer welcome at the Club. The romantic story lines between Ali and her two suitors lack any trace of passion. She seems about as enthused about these two devastatingly handsome hunks as a raging Lesbian in a Men's Locker Room.

CELEBRITIES WEIGH-IN WITH REVIEWS FOR "BURLESQUE"

Still from Burlesque

Although these sources are v. one-sided, here is what some notable names are Tweeting about Burlesque, which premiered last night at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Author @jackiejcollins: "Saw BURLESQUE. It is one long great looking video! Cher is of course amazing."

Heiress and Reality TV Star @KhloeKardashian: "OMG!!! Wow!! I can't say one bad thing about Burlesque! That was amazing! Congrats to all the amazing dancers, actors, singers!"

Access Hollywood Personality Shaun Robinson @ShaunsSanctuary: "Just saw special screening of BURLESQUE with Cher and Christina Aguilera. Loved the dance numbers and Christina can BLOW!"

Actress @JaneFonda: "I had a really good time at Burlesque."

@BoyGeorge: "I saw a preview of Cher's new movie with Christina Aguilera called Burlesque, looks interesting".

Just another week to go before release....  Let me see you Burlesque!

BURLESQUE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK REVIEW

In what's guaranteed to be the campiest Movie event of the Year, Burlesque's accompanying Soundtrack serves as a teaser of what's to come. And based on this ten track Collection which clocks-in at just over 30 minutes, we can expect a v. mixed bag of things really. A bit of Big Band Jazz and Swing, Motown and Contemporary Pop featuring star Christina Aguilera's overwhelmingly big vocals. Surprise! Veteran Diva Cher pops-up on a couple tracks here too.

After previewing the Burlesque Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, I feel that still it's rather difficult to get a sense these songs are telling a story versus being more overtly, vocal showcases. Aguilera is back to doing what she does best here with that blessed gift of a voice she possesses, especially after her last effort Bionic being particularly lacking.  Aguilera uses these songs more as a creative outlet, exercising her vocal chops in musical genres she might not normally be able to do on a Disc under her own name.  Her shining moment comes early in Etta James cover Something's Got a Hold on Me, while But I am a Good Girl has her playfully cooing in one of the few moments here where I feel she is actually in-character. Inasmuch as I hate to say it also, Bound to You sounds like an unused track from the Sia-Aguilera studio sessions for her Bionic, seeming a bit out-of-place.

Cher has not lost a step vocally at all, spicing things up on Welcome to Burlesque and never overdoing it.  Reuniting with the same Writer who penned massive 1989 hit If I could Turn Back Time, Diane Warren, she shines in Power Ballad You Haven't Seen the Last of Me.  The track  actually is remarkably similar to Whitney Houston's I Didn't Know My Own Strength on that one's 2009 attempt at a comeback, I Look to You.

My question is this - where is the rest of the Cast on this Disc? Is this a Musical with only two singers in it, seriously? I suppose we'll soon find out soon enough on November 26, 2010 when Burlesque hits theatres for U.S. Thanksgiving Weekend.  Sony Music's Burlesque Original Motion Picture Soundtrack hits stores November 22, 2010.  Grade: C+

NELLY FURTADO AND P!NK TO RELEASE GREATEST HITS

Mark your Calendars, Mavenati! November 16th, traditionally a big day for Album releases, will be an exciting day for Music Lovers. Both P!nk and Nelly Furtado have announced that they are releasing Greatest Hits collections on this date.

Furtado who first surfaced November 2000 with debut album Whoa, Nelly!, will be releasing The Best of Nelly Furtado from Geffen Records/Universal Music, which will feature new tracks Night is Young and Girlfriend, both produced by Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse). It's been a while since we've heard new English material from Furtado, so expectations are high.  Night is Young premiered on BBC Radio this past weekend; you can preview a live version of it here.

P!nk - Raise Your Glass Single Artwork

Another Pop Legend P!nk continues professing her love for exclamation marks with her Greatest Hits package, Greatest Hits.... So Far! from Sony Music. The collection will feature two new tracks including new single Raise Your Glass, which will be sent to radio later today. I'll feature the track as soon as it becomes available.  In the video for the track, it is said that she will be marrying a Gay couple.  Always stirring the pot, that P!nk!

Oh yes, and Rihanna's new studio effort LOUD! will be out that same day, as will the Soundtrack to Burlesque (aka Glitter 2010)! Although not my thing, Rascal Flatts, Bruce Springsteen and Norah Jones are also heavy hitters with releases that day. Start putting aside some of that pocket change!

(Photo credit: Sony Music/NellyFurtado.com)

CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND CHER'S BURLESQUE - OFFICIAL POSTER

Hurry up and release this hot mess, please.  The official poster for Burlesque starring Christina Aguilera and Cher, has just been released and it reminds me of those '80s Art Deco Photos I'd see at the Hair Salon or Dentist's Office as a child.  Memories.  Please let this be as good as Glitter and Showgirls ....combined!

Visit the film's official website here.  Burlesque hits theatres on American Thanksgiving, November 24, 2010.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA BIONIC REVIEW

So I've just previewed the new Christina Aguilera album Bionic and although I really hate to be a Hater, I am hard-pressed to say that it left much of an impression on me. The collection which includes 15 tracks and three interludes is simply too long, without any coherence.  One minute it's hip-hop.  One minute it's acoustic.  One minute it's electro. I'm a strong supporter of having diverse influences, but this fourth studio effort is directionless.

Aguilera has opted for edge on this effort, going against her famous brand of melody and unapologetic big  stylized vocal flourishings.  I have always been of the mindset to never change a recipe that works; only improve upon it. The Aguilera I love most is her circa What a Girl Wants up to The Voice Within; she was Pop and unashamed of it.  This was an artist who could pack a stadium with her voice, sheer talent and girl next door personality.  The singer today boasts she "has nothing to prove" with an out-of-nowhere bravado which she attributes to having become a Mother.  And if this is what Parenthood does to you, I want no part of it and I'm sure hoards of her young female fans will be terrified.  Needless to say, it is not surprising to hear she has decided to cancel postpone her summer Bionic Tour.

CHRISTINA AGUILERA: MILKING MOTHERHOOD

So I've been following Christina Aguilera's promotional campaign for new album Bionic and I cannot stress enough the importance of post-secondary education.  While recording an interview and performance last week at Radio City Hall for Oprah, she indicated how being a mother has made her feel even sexier about her body. "As women, our bodies go through such amazing things and we are superhuman...  we give life, we give birth, we are our child's source of everything. Our bodies are not our own for a time period.... but then when we get them back, you feel that much stronger."  I'm not quite sure that's a common sentiment amongst most women, but she seems to have written the book on Motherhood.  

What's even more disturbing is amidst criticism against her overtly sexual image since becoming a new mother, she mentioned today on Entertainment Tonight: "my sexuality is something that is a part of me and I will never hide it."   Reportedly, her sex life is even better now she claims. In Press Releases through Sony Music she's gone on about how "fresh and sexy" this new album will be, while on the same token saying that this album is completely dedicated to and inspired by her son Max.  Uhh... that's just disgusting, sorry. I'm just not seeing the connection between birthing a child and the need to parade around in bondage gear. It's a bit of a hard-sell.

Aguilera sings about "kissing boys and the girls" as a married woman and goes on all-out Festival of Moanery for half of new single Not Myself Tonight  and I haven't even gone into the Music Video, which is an exxxperience in itself.  I'm no prude but Aguilera just makes me want to bust out my old confused Chinese man accent and go, "Waa daa hell you tawking aboww?".

Is it just me or is Aguilera milking (pardon the pun) this Motherhood thing a little too much?

(Photo credit: Sony Music)

VIDEO: CHRISTINA AGUILERA - NOT MYSELF TONIGHT | NEW MUSIC: NOT MYSELF TONIGHT (JODY DEN BROEDER REMIX)

Ahh! Finally an improvement over its lacklustre original version – Jody de Broeder saves the day with this stomper of a remix for Christina Aguilera’s new single Not Myself Tonight. den Broder’s sound is more of a fit to where she is trying to go with this new album of hers. Although it’s still not quite up to the standard of classic Aguilera, it’ll have to do for now considering the boastful press releases surrounding new album Bionic. Check it out below, courtesy of our friends at Sony Music.

And of course, how could I forget to mention her just-released bondage-themed video for the track with plenty of girl-on-boy/girl action? The Madonna/Gaga comparisons are inevitable especially with director Hype Williams having worked with the latter. And of course physically speaking, both artists being platinum blonde with a taste for the provocative so one cannot help but compare. Well done, but done well by others before her....

EXCLUSIVE: SIA LIVE AT MTV CANADA PERFORMING "CLAP YOUR HANDS"

Australian singer-songwriter Sia (née Sia Furler) is just on the verge of releasing her fifth studio album We Are Born via Sony Music on June 7, 2010. She dropped by MTV Studio in Toronto to do a three-track acoustic performance before a young crowd, mostly unfamilar with her material.

Donning a blue knit mesh dress, she charmed her way into the hearts of the audience.  She even took a moment to clear the air after a small argument broke out in the audience and later she addressed some heckling from the crowd with nothing but sheer class.

Sia started off first with latest single Clap Your Hands, which features a decidedly more pop direction under the guidance of Grammy-nominated producer Greg Kurstin (The Bird and The Bee, Lily Allen). She followed the number with two soulful acoustic numbers (titles unknown) with her two guitarists, before exiting gracefully and bidding adieu to fans whom she will see tomorrow at her show at The Phoenix.

My friends and I luckily got a chance to meet Sia on her way to a radio interview and she stopped to sign a few autographs and do photos with some of us. She even remembered my name before boarding her label's Escalade with her publicist, giggling that she's certain her hair looked amazing in our photo together due to a sudden breeze which acted as a Wind Machine. It was as if the forces of nature created a moment just for us!

NEW MUSIC: SIA - CLAP YOUR HANDS (FRED FALKE REMIX)

Australian singer-songwriter Sia is back with latest single Clap Your Hands from fourth solo effort album We Are Born, to be released June 8, 2010.  This time around she will be referencing The Pretenders, Blondie, Talking Heads and The Cure.  In contrast to her last album, 2008's Some People Have Real Problems, this new album is more on the up-tempo.

Interestingly, the album will contain a cover of Madonna's Oh Father from her Like a Prayer album.  Greg Kurstin whose most recent work on the phenomenal The Bird and The Bee's Hall & Oates tribute album, will be producing We Are Born.

As many of us know she contributed a track on Christina Aguilera's forthcoming Bionic album, which should prove worth the wait.  Sia has been selling-out club shows around Europe and she will be touring North America in tandem with the release of this new album.  To view a full tour schedule, visit her official website.

In the meantime, check out this infectious Fred Falke remix to Clap Your Hands which brings back the Disco back with that irresistible bass line and chords which say classic New Order. The guitar bits just which come to the forefront late just take this track to a new level of fantastic. Enjoy, courtesy of Sony Music:

(Thanks Vinylandvodka for the artwork!)

NEW MUSIC: CHRISTINA AGUILERA - NOT MYSELF TONIGHT

As announced last week, Christina Aguilera's first single from new album Bionic, Not Myself Tonight, was premiered on her official website earlier this evening.  Although much of the Blogosphere is raving about the track, I'm still on-the-fence with this Polow De Don-produced single.  It is essentially an electro-refreshing of her 2002 single Dirrty with some added Britney/Janet come-hitherness.  

Aguilera definitely sounds much more in her element here though than on recent efforts like Keeps Gettin' Better and Dynamite, allowing her vocals to soar fully.  And we can thank God she got her wartime era itch scratched on her 2006 studio album Back to Basics, as we can welcome her back into the realm of pop relevance once again.

Surely this is just a teaser and I'm expecting her to pull out the big guns on forthcoming singles.  The single will be on iTunes Tuesday, April 13, 2010 and Bionic will be in stores June 8, 2010.

Preview Not Myself Tonight in full below courtesy of Sony Music:

JOHNNY WEIR IS CHRISTINA AGUILERA, EVAN LYSACEK IS BRITNEY SPEARS

 

U.S. Men's Figure Skaters Evan Lysacek and Johnny Weir can skank-it-up like the rest of them and with bodies like that, it would be a waste not to, I say.  Lysacek is scheduled to appear on the forthcoming season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, while Weir is finding a second career of his own as a reality show star in Be Good Johnny Weir.   

Weir appeared on gossip program Access Hollywood today and likened the rivalry between him and Lysacek to that of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, ten years ago.  Weir of course wanted to be Christina, while likening Lysacek to America's Sweetheart Spears.  Cute analogy, although based on that illustration, isn't Weir also implying that he's a better skater also, technically?

HELP FOR HAITI NOW - BEYONCÉ PERFORMS HALO WITH CHRIS MARTIN

George Clooney (pictured left in a pic I got of him this  past September at TIFF), spearheaded tonight's Hope For Haiti Now telethon which aired on all major U.S. networks.  The two-hour show was a star-studded spectacle which included the likes of Alicia Keys, John Legend, Anderson Cooper, Madonna, Beyoncé, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, U2, Jay-Z and many, many more.

Actors, singers and everyday people impacted personally by the disaster in Haiti took turns speaking about how we can aid the cause with our donations.  There were many genuinely touching moments like Julia Roberts accepting a donation over the phone from a nurse who was eager to go to Haiti to assist in medical aid.  Also, we were treated to many amazing musical performances with highlights such as Aguilera performing Lift Me Up from her soon-to-be released album Bionic, Hudson's rendition of Let It Be (The Beatles) and my favourite performance of the evening, Beyoncé's Halo in which she personalized the lyrics specifically to Haiti.  And yes, that was Coldplay's Chris Martin accompanying her on keys.  Madonna performing Like a Prayer and pride of Haiti Wyclef Jean, each provided a couple of the rare uplifting moments on the broadcast.

Donate to Hope for Haiti Now from anywhere in the world by visiting their website for details.  The musical performances can be downloaded as an album on iTunes on January 25, 2010.  Visit http://itunes.com/haiti for details. All proceeds will be going towards Haiti's relief efforts.

You can watch Beyoncé's outstanding performance of Halo with Chris Martin below (audio content owned by Sony Music):

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CHRISTINA AGUILERA?

Christina Aguilera has been on my mind a lot these days, so I decided to Google her quickly and it looks like she is busy wrapping up her next RCA Records studio album Bionic, which will pick up where she left off with her more recent single Keeps Gettin' Better, in the electro dance-pop direction.   Although I myself feel that this isn't her forté necessarily, I respect her artistic direction.  she needs full arrangements that will showcase that superb gift of a voice she has.  Bionic is due tentatively this April, although nothing she releases will ever top her gem of a sophomore album Stripped which I recently listed as one of the past decade's best.

Aguilera has began pre-production on Burlesque from director Steve Antin (brother of Robin, founder of The Pussycat Dolls) November also.  You know how much I love musicals, so I will be awaiting its November 2010 release via Sony Screen Gems eagerly.  The film stars Cher (!!!!) who acts as Aguilera's mentor and the amazing Stanley Tucci plays the Cabaret-inspired club's owner.  The film apparently will have lots of Bob Fosse influence which I loved so much in CHICAGO and NINE.  Grey's Anatomy hunk Eric Dane, known more of late for the world's most boring sex tape, just signed on too.  Veronica Mars and Forgetting Sarah Marshall star Kristen Bell who also stars in the film, was quoted recently as having said that this film is going to "turn her into a lesbian".  Well, if that's any indication, I think I'm going to love it.

Can't wait to hear more.  The above photo (WENN Photos) of Cher and Aguilera was taken the first day of filming on-set yesterday.  Kudos to the respective Paparazzi on a job well done!